Valencia's Emery aims high after new one-year deal
Monday, May 23, 2011
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Unai Emery said he was "creating a great team" at Valencia CF after signing a new one-year deal that means he will lead the side into next season's UEFA Champions League group stage.
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Unai Emery will lead Valencia CF into next season's UEFA Champions League group stage after signing a one-year contract extension.
"I am very happy to secure another year at one of the best clubs in the world," the 39-year-old said on Monday. "I've always said my intention was to further develop this project and together we have to improve, continue to grow and learn. We're creating a great team that can bring real joy."
Emery arrived at Mestalla in 2008 after guiding unfashionable UD Almería to eighth in the Liga. Sixth in his first campaign, Valencia finished third behind FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF the next and, despite David Villa's departure last summer, matched that this term. They also reached the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
"Unai Emery has proved his worth," said club president Manuel Llorente. "We have a desire to improve and believe he has the ability to oversee it. The challenge is to climb step by step, improve year on year. Emery is ambitious."
